Tuesday, October 20, 2009

October, 3 -20, 2009

On Saturday, October 3rd, we left for a trip that was to, with time, take us to the Spring rally of the Southeast Lazy Daze Caravan Club. The plan was to travel all through the Panhandle area of Florida. On Saturday, we spent the night at the Sumner Oaks Escapee campground in Bushnell. We were hoping some of our friends would be there but it was too early in the Season. Continued on to Manatee Springs State Park near Chiefland. We had been there many years ago when the children were young. On Sunday morning, I was walking Gopher and came back to the camper to find Carol on the floor. She was trying to make the bed and had fallen. I helped her up. Her leg really hurt so we decided to head home. By the time we got to the Ocala area the pain was too much so we used the GPS to find an emergency room. We would up at the Munroe Regional Medical Center (MRMC). The x-ray showed that Carol had broken her hip. On Tuesday Dr. Couch, an orthopedic surgeon, did a partial hip replacement. We were very pleased with the surgeon and the hospital. I "camped" in the hospital parking lot. Jennifer & Karen drove down to help. They arrived on Thursday evening and left Monday morning. I am so glad them came down. On Friday, the 9th, Carol was transferred to the Palm Garden rehab. facility in Ocala. We are very, very pleased with Palm Garden. The staff is just wonderful. Carol has an hour of PT & OT each day.

The four week followup appointment with the surgeon is scheduled for November 9th. The plan is to stay here at least until that appointment. Depending on how Carol progresses, we'll decide what to do from there.

What a disappointment. Carol was doing so well recovering from her stroke of June, 2006. She had, after almost 3 1/2 years, finally attained a measure of self sufficiency. We both wonder how long it will take this time to become self sufficient. I hope it's not another three years.

As I type this, we should be in Georgia with our friends. Instead, Carol is in her room and Gopher & I are "camped" in the parking lot of Palm Garden. Between Carol's positive spirit, and Gophers company, they keep me going. Gopher & I have been through it all together. From the heart attack in Rock Springs, Wyoming to the stroke in Cheyenne to the fall in Florida.